There has been a change to the UFC's "I can't believe it's not Dublin" card. Norman Parke has a new opponent after Jorge Masvidal withdrew from the bout with a back injury.
Masvidal's training partner Gleison Tibau will step in to fight the Northern Irish fighter at UFC Fight Night 59. Tibau (30-10), has won four of his last five bouts and comes into this fight fresh off a split decision victory over Piotr Hallmann in September. The 31-year old veteran is known for his grappling prowess and holds victories over quality fighters such as Jeremy Stephens, Jamie Varner and current #3 ranked lightweight Rafael dos Anjos.
Although Tibau is unranked, he presents Parke with the toughest challenge of his career so far. Stormin' Norman (20-2-1) is undefeated in his last 11 professional bouts and comes into this off the back of a stunning second-round knockout over Naoyuki Kotani at that historic UFC Dublin event in July.
The UFC Fight Night 59 is scheduled for January 18 2015 in the TD Arena in Boston. Conor McGregor will be looking to continue his title challenge with a win over German featherweight Dennis Siver in the main event while well-rounded Benson Henderson will give Eddie Alvarez his second test in the UFC in the co-main.
Hat-tip to UFC
